Roulette is one of the world’s most popular casino games, and for good reason. It’s simple enough for beginners to pick up, yet offers a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters. If you’re thinking of playing this classic game for the first time, or want to refine your existing strategy, read on for a comprehensive guide to roulette rules and strategies.
The word Roullete comes from the French for a “little wheel.” The game involves spinning a numbered wheel, and betting on a number or various groupings of numbers, whether it’s red or black, odd or even, or if it sits in one of two value ranges. When the wheel stops, the ball will rest in one of the numbers, and if you’ve correctly bet on it, you win.
Despite fanciful claims that it was invented by 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, the game actually evolved from older games like hoca and portique. Its final form, with its modern layout and wheel, appeared around 1790 in Bordeaux.
Before play begins, the dealer clears the table of losing bets and pays the winners. Each table carries a placard listing the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Choose a table that falls within your budget.
To place a bet, give the dealer your money and ask for “colour.” The dealer will then issue you coloured chips that match the value of your currency. If you win a bet, cash out your chips as soon as possible and don’t dip into your winnings to make further bets.